Valor Receives Prestigious National Blue Ribbon Schools Award

The United States Department of Education announced today that Valor Christian High School is being recognized as an “Exemplary High Performing” school and has received a 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools Award.

“It is a tremendous honor for our school to be recognized by The U.S. Department of Education with a Blue Ribbon Schools Award. I am very proud of our student body, our outstanding faculty, and the supportive Valor community for the level of excellence that is exhibited each day on our campus,” said Mr. Kurt Unruh, Valor Head of School.

The Blue Ribbon Schools program celebrates some of the most skilled and effective educators in the country. Elementary and middle level schools are recognized more frequently than high schools because it is incredibly difficult for a high school to rise to the level of performance required to be honored. In the 32-year history of the awards, The U.S. Department of Education has bestowed this coveted award to a Colorado private high school only four times, with no other Colorado high school having held this designation since 2007. For 2015, Valor represents one of only three private high schools in the country to receive this award.

The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) selects 50 private schools nationwide for nomination to The U.S. Department of Education. Private schools must rank in the top 15 percent on national standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT, to be considered for nomination.

In addition to the highest level of academic success, this year’s nominating body considered overall school excellence. Valor Christian High School is being recognized for its low student-to-faculty ratios, student diversity with equitable success, high graduation rates, 99 percent college acceptance rate and sizable opportunities for financial aid. The school also demonstrates excellence in core and elective curriculum, instructional methods, assessment techniques, community relations platform, professional development and overall leadership philosophy.

The U.S. Department of Education is hosting a recognition ceremony November 9-10, 2015, at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. Mr. Kurt Unruh and Dr. Gary Fisher will accept the prestigious award for Valor.